What causes ADHD? What we know, we do not know and suspect

Neuro -developmental disorders They are a diverse group of conditions that affect the brain from early development. They include a disturbance of hyperactivity (ADHD), autism and learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

These conditions usually become more perceptible over time. This is due to the fact that the delays in the skills that the child is to develop at all ages have become more perceptible.

ADHD is the most common neurode development disorder. Affects around 8-10% of children AND 2-5% of adults.

ADHD It affects the performance of a person in performing tasks (for example, because it disperses) and their behavior (such as loss of things or the fight for paying attention).

ADHD can affect all aspects of functioning, including learning and maintaining friendship problems. In the event of failure to recognize the challenge, they will probably persist and may lead to Anxiety, depression and low self -esteem.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no specific genetic abnormal or brain that causes ADHD and No single reliable test diagnose it.

Formal diagnosis depends on Regardless of whether the child has at least six diagnostic criteria of inattention (at least five for adults) and/or at least six criteria for hyperactivity impulsiveness (at least five adults). They must last for at least six months.

Diagnostic criteria include:

• Difficulties with concentration (for example, listening problem, needy attention to detail, not ready tasks)

• hyperactivity (including drilling, restless and running, constant conversations)

• Impulsiveness (for example, interrupting conversations and games, difficulties waiting for their turn).

Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive. In the case of people with ADHD type of inattention, their main difficulty is inattention, for example, focusing on everyday tasks that are not particularly intriguing.

If someone meets the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsiveness and inattention, they have a combined ADHD.

How reliable is the diagnosis?

One of the problems with these criteria is that they are not specific to ADHD. For example, difficulties with concentration can also be Depression symptom.

That is why it is not enough to simply select the symptom control list. Formal diagnostic criteria emphasize these symptoms disturb everyday functioning.

The key question is: do ADHD symptoms cause daily problems or stops this person?

What means will vary depending on the person, depending on what is associated with their daily activities.

For example, someone can fight for concentration at school, but later in a original career, such as photography or at high -intensity work with tough terms, such as journalism.

It also means that a person can meet full diagnostic criteria at some stages of his life. ADHD Substhreshold – when someone meets some criteria, but not enough for diagnosis – it can still cause significant difficulties.

Gender differences

Boys aged four to 11 are up to four times more likely that they will be Diagnosed ADHD than girls.

Maybe this is partly because the diagnostic criteria are particularly good Identification of hyperactive young boys. But they are not so effective for girlsEspecially those who are not hyperactive or destructive or who are trying Hide your difficulties.

Girls and women will probably be diagnosed later and show more “internal symptoms” such as depression. However, the indicator of non -diagnosis in girls It improves Over the past four decades.

Gender divergence also evolves with age. The female part of teenage adults who were diagnosed with ADHD is closer Half (38%).

What about genetics?

There is also a mighty genetic ingredient. Heredity for ADHD is About 70-80%. This describes how many differences in ADHD result from genetics, not environmental influences.

The more precisely someone is associated with a person with ADHD – in other words, the more genes they have in common – the more likely it is that they have ADHD.

However, genetics are intricate. It is not as basic as finding a gene or choosing “responsible” genes for ADHD.

For example, early studies connected ADHD with six genes This targeted neurotransmission (like the brain sends chemical signals). But the effect of each gene was miniature.

ADHD is currently understood as a polygenic disorder with thousands of common genetic variants.

Each of these genes is able to make a tactful but slight contribution to the overall ADHD expression. Because these genes are common, ADHD features are arranged in the entire population, without a clearly defined cut -out between those who do and have no state.

In the family, the interaction between common genetics and the common environment (their household) makes it tough to study them separately.

Does the environment play a role?

A supporting family can aid a child with ADHD better deal with daily tasks, because parents often adapt their parental style to behave the child. Maybe mask ADHD and diagnosis of delay.

But if one or both parents also have ADHD, it can affect their parental style. Determining how many behaviors of this child is tough because of the inherited ADHD and how much to Family environment and parenthood.

Studies have also shown children who are relatively teenage in their year when they start school have higher rates ADHD treatment. This indicates their environment by playing a role in when Their ADHD is diagnosedBut I will not necessarily cause him.

For more information about ADHD, as well as information about support groups, visit ADHD Foundation Or Australia ADHD websites.